SMD Technical - KKNK2002

KLEIN KAROO NASIONALE KUNSTEFEES

Leathers and feathers transform Karoo barn
4th April 2002
By AndyO

Oudtshoorn preened its feathers for this year's Klein Karoo Couture which showcased ostrich leather garments by three of South Africa's hottest designers.

Errol Arendz, Gert van de Merwe and Philosophy, designed by Jenni Button, were chosen by the Klein Karoo Kooperasie for its first show. A large warehouse in the middle of Karoo farmland may not sound like the ideal venue for a high-street fashion show but it turned out to be an excellent choice as the bland steel workshed was transformed into a world-class fashion catwalk.

The show, which opened on Sunday and closed last night, featured 68 outfits worn by international models from as far afield as Spain, Poland and Russia. According to the show's organiser, Mary Reynolds, the Kooperasie wanted to demonstrate the versatility of ostrich leather usually thought of as being too hard for high fashion.

"With modern techniques it's become possible to soften the leather, allowing designers to use it in the most intriguing ways. "The natural leathers and feathers also have over 300 colours and shades," says Reynolds.

Arendz's collection was almost not to be, as his shipment of skins was misplaced en route to his Cape Town studio. "With only two-and-a-half weeks to complete the collection we worked under tremendous pressure.
"I'd never worked with skins before so it was a true challenge to master the ostrich.
"But skins have become so soft these days that you can even drape them," said Arendz. "It's terribly expensive though and I think it's more suited to our overseas market. But the one thing about buying an ostrich garment is that it'll last forever."

The show-stopper was graffiti-printed leather which each designer used to create one outfit. The ostrich leather was printed in Europe. Also featured in the show was the Cape Museum's jewellery collection, which Arendz incorporated these into his designs.

Van der Merwe and Button chose to use shoes and bags by Cape Cobra. Local celebrity Steve Hofmeyr appeared alongside Egoli's Brumilda van Rensburg, despite calls by some to boycott his show Engele Om Ons (Angels Around Us).

Hofmeyr made headlines this week after allegedly decking the editor of the Klein Karoo Nasionale Kunstefees's review paper, Krit, who published an unfavourable critique of his play. Unperturbed by the publicity, Hofmeyr strutted down the ramp amid the international beauties, leading one man in the audience to quip that the show was made up of beauties and a beast.
© 2002 iSoap

The Klein Karoo Nasionale Kunstefees is an annual event held in the little Karoo town of Oudtshoorn - internationally known for its ostrich ranching. The Festival is an Afrikaans language festival focusing on Afrikaans arts and entertainment.